TNI Bureau: After taking the charge as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka, Jagadish Shettar promised that he would try his best to tackle the drought situation that has hit more than half of the state.

Hours after he was sworn-in as the CM, he sought a report from the chief secretary on the drought situation in the state. He sought some suggestions from him whether relief measures would be taken by the government.

He said that the drought situation in the state is a challenge to his ministry and emphasis will be given on proving drinking water to common people. Shatter directed the secretaries at a meeting to provide clean drinking water and employment to people and cattle in next two months.

Sources said, the CM is planning to tour the drought-hit districts. Later, he will approach the Centre seeking funds for relief works. The new deputy chief minister KS Eshwarappa, who was party’s state president, also wants to gain public support after political crisis in the state. He said that the drought situation in certain regions of the state is worst in 40 years. The situation is close to that of famine, but he hopes that it can be improved.

Meanwhile, the opposition is likely to raise its voice on the issue in the assembly session beginning on July 16.